North Salem

To the north of North Salem is the border of Putnam County, to the east, the border of Connecticut. North Salem is a bucolic, determinedly rural Westchester town, one that has successfully managed to fend off the rapacious developers who always seem to skulk around areas like this. Luckily, the North Salem Open Land Foundation works hard to convince landowners to donate their land and keep it undeveloped, and residents are willing to fight to keep their town from becoming yet another congested suburb. Those wishing to move here will need to bring along a good-sized bank account, as the 2011 average net worth was $1.2 million.

Peach Lake is a small community of converted summer cottages which are comparatively lower-priced, and Westchester County has just agreed to build affordable housing in various spots, so there is and may soon be a bit more affordable housing. But mostly this area is made up of large estates, horse farms, open land, and the “smaller” places on minimum 4-acre lots.

Residents are proud of the excellent school system, which encompasses the entire town of North Salem as well as the Putnam County towns of Southeast and Carmel. There is also an active Recreation Department.

Since this is riding country, you might want to know about Old Salem Farm, arguably the best equestrian facility in Westchester. Located on 125 acres in North Salem, they have 3 indoor arenas, four outdoor riding rings, and a grand prix field. The lucky horses who live here can enjoy a fly mist system, four horse showers, and have 30 turnout paddocks from which to choose; people footing the bill for all this can watch their fellow horse-lovers ride from a heated viewing area, or have a workout in the gym while they wait. Serious riders will be impressed by the names Frank Madden and Steve Weiss, who are the resident trainers. Old Salem Farm has hosted several US Olympic Team Selection Trials, as well as World Cup qualifier classes. The American Gold Cup will be held here in September, 2012.

Shoppers head to Danbury or Westchester, as commercial properties are strictly zoned. If you can afford it and want the gentile Westchester country life, North Salem might be for you.

Tucked into the northeastern corner of Westchester County, is the town of North Salem. It is comprised of four hamlets: Croton Falls, Purdy’s, Salem Center and North Salem. The town is known for having a small, excellent school district and several horse farms.

North Salem is located fifty miles north of New York City. Many residents travel to Manhattan daily via Metro North from the Croton Falls or Purdy’s stations.

The town’s laws regarding development are strict. There are no large shopping centers or multiplex theaters. Most recent efforts to develop and build have been successfully fought. The North Salem Open Land Foundation works to support wildlife and recreation by protecting open spaces, and have saved over 900 acres from development. The Titicus Reservoir, which is part of the Croton Watershed, supplies drinking water to New York City. Many watershed areas are also protected from development. The steps taken by the town should reassure potential home buyers that the town they settle in will probably continue to look as it does today.

North Salem’s schools have an excellent reputation. With a student enrollment of 1,300, the district is small and able to ensure adequate attention to all its learners. There is one elementary school, and the middle school and high school share a complex.

Recreational activities abound, especially for outdoorsy types. North Salem is known beyond its borders as a horsey town, with numerous farms and a network of trails crossing both public and private property. Some of the farms give riding lessons to the public, for a fee. The Hammond Museum has a large Japanese garden, complete with bamboo grove and fish pond. There are two town parks, with playgrounds and basketball and tennis courts.

The four hamlets of North Salem are largely similar in nature, with a few small differences. Middle-income homebuyers will find they have the most options in Croton Falls and Purdy’s, even though Purdy’s is smaller and only has a handful of homes for sale at any given time. North Salem’s Metro-North stations are located in those hamlets. Salem Center and North Salem are home to the town’s larger estates. None of the hamlets has strip malls or shopping centers, though there are some shops and restaurants scattered throughout the town. House-hunters who appreciate quiet and don’t mind visiting neighboring towns to pick up groceries and other necessities will find many things to like about North Salem.